How to truly reach the masses

[Mark F. Bohne <hilltop@lrbcg.com>]

When a doctor believes you might have terminal cancer, you are told, quite bluntly, the possible outcomes and a perceived prognosis.

The same should hold true for environmental issues. For example, if an area has been adversely impacted by a toluene discharge, the public should be educated about the possible short and long-term affects to the environment and the people living ina and around the plume.

By issuing factual statements with a complete "picture" of the possibilities, more people will become involved. Simply announcing that a group will meet to discuss an old landfill site will only draw those interested or living nearby. Announcing the possible harm to groundwater sources will draw a wider audience.

Some may infer that this could cause undue panic. However, by the time the agency decides to investigate a problem, isn't there a higher probability that there is an impact. We are faced with "real life and death" news every day. If you want to reach the public and involve as many as you can, tell them the whole truth coming out of the gates.